Sen. Richard Alloway II (R- 33) is cosponsoring legislation that would require state and local government buildings to meet stricter energy and environmental building standards.

Senate Bill 728 would require all state-funded construction projects and larger renovation projects to achieve an Energy Star rating of at least 85 from the state Department of Environmental Protection. All projects must also meet high-performance building standards.

Alloway said the legislation would promote the use of energy efficient technology in state and local government buildings to protect the environment and reduce long-term energy costs to taxpayers.